Raging Clouds is the graphic novel debut of Korean author Yudori. Though gorgeous illustrations, the story explores feminism and freedom in mid-16th-century high Dutch society.
Every now and then, a new comic creator comes along who brings a bold new voice to the medium. With her debut graphic novel Raging Clouds, Yudori does just that.
Published by Fantagraphics, Raging Clouds follows young woman Amélie, who is stuck married to oppressive, cruel tradesman Hans. While he might seem like an impressive, charming man to the people of his town, inside his home, Hans is a monster, treating his wife with pathological cruelty and sexual violence. He expects her to be an obedient, devoted housewife. It’s only when Hans is away for work that she can truly be content — in those times she can relax through the escapism of books, or pursue her interest in inventions.
However, when Hans returns home from his work one day, he welcomes Sahara, a slave mistress from a far away. Sahara, a largely enigmatic character, is another woman who Hans takes advantage of. Before long, both Amélie and Sahara are brought together through their shared experiences — and devise a means to find freedom.
Raging Clouds is a gorgeous period drama about social position and yearning.
Raging Clouds is a tantalising, deeply powerful read. It might sound terribly cliche, but it truly is a page-turner from beginning to end. Creator Yudori engulfs the reader in 16th-century Europe through her gorgeous black-and-white art, inspired by classic Manga and Manhwa. It’s a story about social position, richly detailed in a narrative about women who are greatly oppressed.
It delves into all sorts of deep themes, namely non-consensual sex, slavery, courage, and rebellion — all of which Yudori approaches with thought. Our protagonist, Amélie, yearns throughout the narrative of escaping to the skies; the one place men don’t rule.
One thing I loved about this graphic novel was how Amélie, despite being far less powerful than her husband, was far more intellectually gifted. While Hans is away on his duties, she dedicates time and effort to her scientific endeavours; particularly, her invention of the modern hot air balloon. However, in the patriarchal society in which the graphic novel sets the scene, women are praised for nothing; their inventions are accredited to men.
Thought-provoking and heavy-hitting, Raging Clouds is a perfect read for fans of historical narratives about oppression and abuse of power. Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale, for instance, will love this story. This is a breathtaking and triumphant graphic novel debut for Yudori, heralding in one of the brightest new voices in the medium.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
You can find Raging Clouds on Amazon here.
